> Ancient Adjustment
>  by Jolttra
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Prologue
		


"Spike!" Rarity said irritated. "For the last time, I need those sapphires for my new coats. I already have an order for thirty coats that is due this weekend. Do you want me to disappoint my customers?"

Spike let out a small sigh. "No. I don't want that."

He stared desperately at the massive Sapphire in his little claws. It was the size of a grapefruit and sparkled in a perfect way, which let Spike know it was ripe. With great hesitation and just a pinch of sorrow in his heart, Spike carefully put it back on the pile.

"Excellent, Spike," Rarity said with genuine pleasure. "Now be a dear and go fetch the Violet thread for me."

"Yes, Rarity," Spike said, depressed. He wanted nothing more than to gulp down every sapphire in the room, but helping Rarity was more important. After all, that was the whole reason he was here. Spike never passed up a chance to get close to Rarity. But had he known he would have to stand in a room filled with literally hundreds of big, juicy, delicious sapphires, and not get so much as a nibble, Spike would have said no… maybe.

"Now cheer up Spikey-Wikey" Rarity said while sewing a pocket on the inside of a near completed coat. "There are far too many Sapphires for even me to use up in one day. Tell you what: after my coats are done I'll give you all the sapphires the leftovers."

"Really!" Spike said, much more enthusiast. "All of them?!!"

"All the leftovers, yes."

"Wow," Spike whispered to himself as he gawked at the pile of deep blue gemstones. "That's a lot of sapphires."

"That's right. And if you want to earn your share, you can start by bringing me more nightingale feathers."

"Yes mam!"

Spike hurried to the drawer filled with bird feathers, when he felt a familiar tickling at the back of his throat. Spike let out a burp of green flame and a letter fell into his hands. He knew it was from the Princess.

"Not now..." Spike groaned. "I need to help Rarity and earn my sapphires."

"Spike! What's taking so long?" Rarity said without turning her head. “Did you find the drawer?"

Spike looked at the letter, then at Rarity, and then at the mountain of blue shimmering sapphires. He knew the letter was more important, but…

"I'm sorry Rarity, but I have to go deliver this letter to Twilight."

"What?!! You’re leaving me at a time like this?"

"I promise I'll come straight back. Save some Sapphires for me. Bye!" With that,, Spike ran out of the room and headed for the front door.

"Wait, Spike!" Rarity cried, but he was already gone.

With the letter clutched tight in his claw, Spike rushed home to deliver it. The early winter snow was not too high, but it was enough to slow down the diminutive dragon.

"Whoever was in charge of clearing the sn
ow today slacked off," Spike grumbled as he dug his way through the snow. "This letter had had better be worth it.."

As Spike struggled through the white powder outside, Twilight was having troubles of her own. While study the differences between a western dragon and a northwestern dragon, there was a knock at her door.

"Now who could that be?" Twilight said to the audience. Err.. I'm mean herself. Yeah, that's right. She was just talking to herself out loud so that anyone who might be watching her could clearly hear it. Not that anyone would be watching her. That would be creepy. Staring at her while she reads and eats breakfast and takes a shower in the morning with the blue soap,, and... Moving on. Twilight went and opened the door to find Pinkie Pie standing there with a paintbrush and a large tub of coconut frosting.

"Were you talking to yourself out loud again?" Pinkie asked cheerfully.

"How did you know" Twilight said, surprised.

"Don't worry about it; I do that all the time. That way the audience knows what I'm thinking."

"What?"

"Oh nothing. Anyway, can you help me with my frosting project? I just can't find a way to make great tasting frosting that doesn't make the walls too sticky."

"I'm a little busy right now,," Twilight said, glancing at the remaining books she still had to read.

"Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease! It should only take a second."

"I just don't know.."

"Pretty Please with Pinkie Pie on top?"

"Well..."

"Great! Now, I was hoping you could use your magic to make my frosting unsticky. That way I can hang it up without any worry."

"I didn't say yes."

"But wait! If the frosting isn't sticky then it won't stick to the walls at all. Oooooh, What are we going to do,, Twilight?"

"Well we could always..."

"I KNOW!" Pinkie screamed. "If we cover the icing with sprinkles then it will cover all the stickiness and still taste GREAT!”

“Yeah,, but…”

“OH CELESTIA,, WAIT! Where am I going to get all those sprinkles? I would need TONS!”

“PINKIE!” Twilight shouted, losing all patience.Twilight shouted, losing all patience. “Why do you want to make coconut icing wallpaper?”

“…. I don’t understand the question.”

“What good is wallpaper that tastes like Coconut?”

“You’re RIGHT! Pound Cake is allergic to Coconut. I’m going to have to pick a different flavor.”

“No, Pinkie. That’s not what I mea…”

“What about Chocolate!” Pinkie Interrupted, again. “Or Strawberry! Or Double Malted Mint! I’m going to have to start this from scratch. Thanks, Twilight. See you later!”

“Glad I could… Help?”

Pinkie dashed threw the front door, almost running over Spike on his way in.

“Twilight!” Spike huffed, completely out of breath. “You have a, oh I’m out of shape. You have a letter from Celestia.”

Twilight rushed to Spike, eager to hear what the Princess had sent her.

“What does it say,, Spike?” Twilight inquired, her interest hitting a high peak.Twilight inquired, her interest hitting a high peak.

“Hold on, hold on. Let me open it first.” Spike tore the envelope and cleared his throat. “My Dearest Student Twilight Sparkle, I write to inform you of a tremendous discovery. Two weeks ago, an expedition team in Saddle Arabia discovered what is believed to be the tomb of Ki-Lin. I don’t need to tell you how important this is to our historic knowledge. As my sister and I sister and I are busy with other matters, I ask you to represent me and verify the discovery. A Royal chariot will be at your house at 10:00:00 AM tomorrow. Your teacher, Princess Celestia.”

Twilight stood there, frozen in shock and amazement. She had no words to describe what she was feeling. Spike stared at her. He had never seen her so speechless. With hesitance,, he spoke.

“Uh, Twilight…. Who’s Ki-Lin?”

“………………..WHO’S KI-LIN?!!!!”

“Ok, nevermind I’m sorry.”

“SPIKE! He is the most important person in Pony history. Perhaps the most important person in the WHOLE WORLD!”

“Oh, well. What did he do?”

“He is the one who gave the ponies their powers,,” Twilight said, slightly calmer now as she reached for The Evolution of Dragons Volume 1 and flipped through the pages furiously. “Unicorn’s Magic, Pegasus’ flight and weather control, Earth  ponies strength and speed…..here it is,“ she said, landing her hoof on a page. “Ki-Lin. Legend has it he granted the Pony race his powers to continue his dying lineage. While a popular myth, no physical evidence of his existence has been discovered.” Twilight closed the book and peered at Spike, her excitement renewed. “If this is his tomb, then we will finally have physical proof he was real. This will rewrite whole sections of history. About a fifth of my books would be outdated. I would need ALL NEW BOOKS!”

“Alright then,” Spike interjected. “So the chariot is coming tomorrow at ten, right? Well I have something I need to do, so if you don’t mind…”

“You can’t leave!” Twilight exclaimed “We need to pack. I have to get my books, note paper, quills, and spelunking gear.”

“I know, but I promised Rarity that I would come back to help her out. And she promised to give me a bunch of sapphires when we’re done.”

“Spike, what’s more important to you? A bunch of shiny stones, or the biggest historic discovery of our lifetime?”

“Shiny stones.”

Twilight sighed in disappointment. “Fine. You can help Rarity. But I want you packed and ready by tomorrow.”

“YES MA’AM!” Spike roared. He dashed away, leaving Twilight to ponder the situation alone.

“Ki-Lin. This could change everything.” Twilight walked off to gather her things. “Everything...” 
	
> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 1



“Spike, wake up. We’re nearly there.”

Spike stood up begrudgingly. The fact he could sleep in a metal chariot hundreds of feet above the air just showed how desperately tired he was. He rubbed his red drooping eyes and did his best to stay awake,

“We’ve been in this chariot for hours.” Spike yawned. “How much longer, Twilight?”

“About ten minutes. You know you wouldn’t be so tired if you hadn’t stayed up so late.”

“Rarity needed my help. I’m not going to let her down. Besides,” Spike says while rustling threw his bag. “Look at all these Sapphires.”

“So,” Twilight inquired, “you’re saying it was worth it?”

Spike picked a deep blue gem and bit it in half, chewing slowly.

“No question about it”

Twilight rolled her eyes and set her sights on the horizon. The powdery snow has been replaced by sandy dunes as far as the eye could see. Even in the winter months the sun was blistering in Saddle Arabia. Hot dry air flowed through her mane as they drew closer to the dig site. Twilight did everything she could to hold back her excitement.

“We’re here,” the chariot Pegasus said. “I’ll set you down by the watering hole.”

“Thank you so much. Spike, get your stuff together.”

The chariot descended. Wheels touched down on soft hot sand. Soon the entire camp had surrounded the chariot; archaeologists, excavators, and four ambassadors of the Saddle Arabia’s royal court. One of the ambassadors came forward and spoke.

“Welcome emissary of Celestia. I am Golden Scimitar. I am a representative of the royal court. My fellow ambassadors and I are overseeing this dig.”

“I am Twilight Sparkle. And this is my faithful assistant, Spike.”

“Give my thanks to Celestia when next you meet. If not for her we would not have the equipment to complete our excavation.”

“The discovery and preservation of historical finds is of the utmost importance. Speaking of which, where is the tomb?”

“Eager now, aren’t we?” A brown stallion wearing spelunking gear stepped out of the crowd. “You should rest. Get some water. Maybe take a nap. Your short friend there looks like he could use some shut eye.”

“Oh thank you,” Spike exhaled, barely holding his head up. “Where are the beds?”

“Spike, not now.” Twilight turned to the brown stallion. “I’m sorry, who are you?”

“Call me Pick,” he said cheerily. “Everyone does. And I mean it. You should relax. The dig ain’t goin’ nowhere.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I was in that Chariot for seven hours and if I don’t see something soon, I might actually scream.”

“Alright missy. I’ll take you to the dig. But on two conditions. First, you got to let shortstop over there sleep.”

“Deal.”

“Yes!”

“Beds are in the red tent over there.” A purple blur rushed behind the fabric folds and disappeared. “Second. I want you to eat these, drink this, and wear this at all times.”

Pick gave Twilight a bag of dates, a glass of ice tea, and a helmet made for Unicorns. Twilight placed the helmet on her head and then took a big gulp of tea.

“Thank you. I didn’t realize how thirsty I was.”

“I told yah. Now let’s get going.”

With that, they moved through the camp towards the dig site. They passed dozens of tents of all sizes and colors. Most of the workers were native to Saddle Arabia. Donning their traditional bishts, they toiled away with their daily chores. Some were washing clothes, while some were preparing dinner for the camp. Not everyone had work. A few were playing cards in an open area near the cooking tent. Twilight smelled the savory aroma of carrot curry. Running through the camp was a group of colts and fillies. One young Pegasus, one wearing a pith helmet who told the others to call her Daring Doo.

Twilight immediately thought of Rainbow Dash. She regretted not inviting Dash to come. In fact, she didn’t tell anyone she was leaving. With all the excitement, Twilight had barely remembered to leave a note on the library door letting anypony who went to visit know where she had gone.

Then Twilight noticed something. A strange pony dressed in all black with a Crescent Moon, the symbol of the royal family, on his chest. He stood there, motionless. Everyone ignored his presence. His cold stare, focusing on everything yet nothing, unnerved Twilight in a way she could not quite grasp.

“Hey… Pick,” she stammered. “Who is that? With the Crescent Moon on his chest.”

“Him? Don’t worry. He won’t do nothing. He and his buddies’ just stand around and make sure things are ok.”

“There are more?” Twilight looks threw the camp nervously.

“You won’t find them. I’m surprised you saw one of them. I’ve been here six months and have only seen them twice.”

“But why are they here?”

“Protection,” Pick simply stated. “This is an important dig. And it’s bound to have a lot of valuables that thieves and bandits might like to take. And the gems. Mighty  tempting for any dragons that might fly on by. So we have royal protection.”

Pick stopped for a moment in short thought.

“Your little friend, he’s not going to eat any of the findings is he?”

“Spike? No, don’t worry about him. He’s the nicest dragon you’ll ever meet. Plus he brought a whole sack of sapphires. He should be good for a weeks.”

“Good to know. Anyway, the dig is right up ahead.”

Before she knew it, Twilight was at the edge of the dig site. It was basically a large hole, about six hundred feet in all directions. Ponies were digging out old pots and tools, and doing everything to preserve the valuable items. At the other end of the dig was a large cave opening.

“I promise things are much more exciting when we get into the ruins,” Pick encouraged.

After a brisk walk past dirt and rocks, they reached the cave. As they entered, the light became dimmer and it was impossible to see. Inside it was pitch black, with small lights hung against the walk that barely showed the path in.

“Here, you’ll need a torch to see the finer details.”

“No thank you. I have my own.

With that, Twilight used her horn to create a bright light, illuminating the path ahead.

“Wow,” Pick said, genuinely impressed. “You Unicorns get all the good stuff, don’t yeah?”

“Well, it does come in handy.” Twilight blushed.

With the light from her horn, Twilight could now see more of the cave. Along the walls there were dozens of intricate patterns. She could identify many of them, but there were also patterns she had never seen before. Massive pillars, or rather what was left of them, stood tall across the room. The remnants of stone statues lay smashed and decaying across the floor, and at the end of the ruin, a heavy door of stone with a familiar symbol above it. A large dragon head; with soft caring eyes, a long snout with no teeth showing, and a massive horn on its head. It was his crest, the crest of Ki-Lin.

“Is, is this it? Is this the tomb?” Twilight said in quiet awe.

“We believe so. Of course, we have to get in first to prove it.”

“You, you haven’t opened the tomb yet?”

“No,” Pick said downtrodden. “We’ve been at it for days but nothing works. Magic, dynamite, sledgehammers, nothing. Didn’t even chip the darn thing.”

“So, how can we prove this is his tomb if we can’t get in?”

“Well that’s why you're here, little missy. Celestia sent you here for more than one reason, you know.”

“What,” Twilight hesitated. “What do you mean?”

“Well you see that symbol there on the wall? Looks familiar now, don’t it?”

Twilight took a close look at the stone doors of the tomb. A large symbol was carved into it. The etching was worn, making it hard to make out the design. But the more she stared at it, the more it seemed like she had seen it before. It was familiar. Something personal…

“The Element of Magic!” she exclaimed. “That’s my symbol.”

“Right on the mark. Celestia thought you might be able to open it.”

“But, I don’t have my Element of Harmony with me.”

“Yes you do,” Pick said, handing Twilight a small box. “Celestia sent it over.”

Twilight put the crown on her head. She turned to the wall, staring intently at what may be the most important discovery in history. And she was a part of it. No, not just a part of it. She was the most important component in this excavation. Whatever lies behind that door will be her discovery.

“Ok.” She took a deep breath. It was time. “Here goes everything.”

With that, Twilight focused all her magic into the Element. A bright purple flash of pure magical energy filled the room. The symbol on the stone barrier began to glow. The room shook as the heavy doors began to opened. Pick and the other workers watched in pure amazement.  After everything they did, all the effort, the blood, the tears, EVERYTHING. It was finally going to pay off. AT LAST, the door was opened, and the purple light faded.

There was a long, deafening silence. Twilight stood still, tired from her efforts. Pick grabbed a torch and ran into the door. The small fire shined in the new cavern. It was smaller than expected. And… utterly disappointing. There was no tomb. No coffin. No treasure. No symbols to study. Nothing but a single solitary statue standing alone in the center.

The statue was strange. It was a creature unknown even to Twilight. The creature stood on all four legs, much as they did. As tall as Celestia, but much more massive and muscular. It had four large, heavy paws with long sharp claws on broad fingers. Its eyes were narrow and piercing. There was a long narrow horn on the right cheek. All over the creature’s body were scars, with a very large one in particular on its neck.

No one knew what to make of this. Why was this statue here? Why was it so important? Why was the symbol of Ki-Lin above it? So many questions, but they had no time to ponder. The statue started to shake. Everyone stepped back as it shook more violently. Rock chipped off and revealed flesh. Live flesh that pulsed as blood began to flow through old veins and an ancient heart started to beat. A large, heavy claw broke the mold and stepped down on the sandy ground.

The creature, the monster, was alive!
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2


There was a rush at the entrance of the caves. Eighteen ponies of different colors and creeds ran as if their lives depended on it. At the back of the group was Twilight and Pick. The workers all stopped to watch the commotion. Golden Scimitar rushed to the emissary of Celestia.

“What is wrong? What has happened?” Scimitar pleaded.

“Someone, something was in there,” she stammered. “It was in the tomb. It’s coming this way!”

“What are you-“

At that moment, a monstrous sound erupted from the ruins. A horrifying roar the likes of which none have heard in this age. Panic struck the crowd. Fear of what was in the ruin spread like wildfire. In a flash, five Ponies in black clothes appeared at the front of the crowd. Gold Crescent moons showed on each of their chests. One of them lifted her hoof, and the crowd fell instantly silent.

What felt like an eternity passed. No movement. No sound. Just waiting for the inevitable. Only one way into the ruins. Only one way out. What was taking so long? What was it doing? Why has it not come?

Then, it appeared. Inky blackness was replaced with hard, tan skin. Long deliberate strides brought the beast closer. The creature became large as it neared the crowd, yet each step was soundless. As if the monster before them was not there at all. It was bigger than Twilight thought. Towering over the crowd, it’s broad shoulders and massive fore legs conveyed brutish strength. A long, narrow sword like spike stuck out two feet from the right cheek. A small, broken nub of yellow bone (at least she thinks it was bone) protruded from the left cheek. There must have been a second spike at some point. The beast's head was low, as if it was watching the ground.

Steady strides became wobbled steps and then a heavy stagger. Falling onto a knee, the creature stopped. It was then Twilight noticed something she hadn’t before. On the animals left shoulder was a large, sopping red spot. What she thought was a scar was a wound. Fresh and dripping precious life. It was bleeding.

Blood. She had never seen it. Well, no. That’s not true. She had bleed herself from the occasional mishap while cooking or preparing a potion. But that was only a few drops. This was fountain of blood gushing onto the ground leaving a moist trail in the sand that grew longer with each step. Twilight put her hoof to her mouth. She might be sick. The last thing anypony needed was somepony fainting. The strange, dying animal looked to the crowd.

“Et…adiuva me,” the creature muttered. “Et adiuva, me.”

Over and over it repeated. Et adiuva me. What does it mean? A crescent-chested Pony stepped forward.

“Speak louder, monster. Or you will die where you stand.”

A heavy sorrowful face lifted to match the Royal Guard. For the first time, its small darting eyes could be seen. Grey and sharp and filled with what may have been fear.

“H-help, me…” was the last thing it uttered before collapsing to the ground, legs splayed out in all directions, breathing faintly and still leaking crimson.

The Crescent Pony looked at the fallen monstrosity in front of her, then to the crowd, and then to her comrades. She lifted a hoof to her head and removed the mask. White fur with a blond mane was revealed to the crowd. The white Crescent guard walk towards the unconscious animal and pressed the black mask against the wound.

“We have a doctor here, do we not?” the blond-maned pony said, turning to the crowd. “Bring him and his supplies. He has a patient that needs treatment.”


_____________________________________________________________________________________

It took six sturdy stallions to move the massive bulk of the motionless beast to the medical tent. The doctor and his assistant worked for three hours behind the white sheets and red cross before emerging, letting the worried workers know the creature’s condition was stable. He would live.

A collective sigh of relief was released. Even though not a single Pony knew who he was, or what he was for that matter, all were happy to find out he was safe. Golden Scimitar moved his way across the crowd. Twilight, Pick, and the Crescent Guards walked behind him.

“We wish to see the creature,” Scimitar told the doctor outside the tent.

“I can’t let you do that,” the doctor said, cleaning his glasses. “He has lost a lot of blood. He needs rest if he is going to get any better.”

It is part of the dig that I am overseeing,” Scimitar stated, with slight contempt in his voice. “We must study the being as soon as possible.”

“He is not an old jar or rusty sword. He is a living breathing animal and I will treat him the same as any other Pony here. He needs sleep. So he will get sleep.”

“IT, is an incredible discovery and we must AND will see it now,” Scimitar shouted. He was clearly irritated with the doctor’s unwillingness to cooperate.

“Why you dirty, uncaring, self-promoting SON OF A-”

The doctor’s assistant pulled him away. She was afraid he would smack the Ambassador right in the face. Scimitar pushed the white woolen walls aside and exited without a word. Twilight was stunned at what she had just witnessed.

“He seemed so polite when I first met him. Does he always act like this?”

Pick shook his head. “He’s a politician. They got more faces than a hydra.” With that he walked in, followed by the Crescent Guards.

Twilight hesitated for a moment, then followed. It was even bigger up close. Even laying on the ground, it was taller than she was. The front legs were as thick as her head and the clawed feet as wide as a serving platter. The head was huge, as big as her torso. A few small, rather blunt teeth were sticking out of thin lips. Two mega-sized nostrils were at the end of the long narrow snout, breathing heavily as it slept. That was when she saw something she had missed before. A tail. A long, thin, bony tail with a small stinger like end. How had she not seen that before?

“What an amazing specimen.” Golden Scimitar gawked. “This will surely put me in Celestia’s favor.”

“Celestia doesn’t know,” Pick said with a tone of bitterness. “And she doesn’t need to know until he is awake and healthy.”

“She does know. I sent a message to the princess right after it left the caves. She should be here within the hour.”

“When were you planning on telling us?”

“The affairs of the state are none of your concern. This is my discovery and mine alone.”

“Your discovery, you didn’t do anything,” Pick said, steaming with anger. “You think Celestia is going to believe anything you have to say?”

“I am the authority of this dig. She will believe anything I tell her. Not the claims of some lowly worker and a messenger girl. “

“She’s the one who opened the tomb!” Pick yelled.

“Then a simple messenger is better at your job. You will be lucky to see another day’s work after this.” Scimitar walked out of the tent, four of the Crescent guards following him.

Pick, Twilight, and the last Crescent guard stood there. Unsure of what just transpired. The creature was still asleep on the ground. Unaware of everything around him.

“He can’t get away with that.” Twilight pleaded to the Crescent guard. “Can’t you do anything?”

“I am a servant of the royal family. I am to serve them, no matter what they ask. I can do nothing.”

The Crescent guard moved into the corner and began watching the sleeping beast. It must be her shift.

“Come on, Twilight,” Pick sighed. “Let’s get out of here.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Twilight poked at her food. Even the savory smell of authentic Middle Eastern curry couldn’t improve her mood. Such an important discovery, what should have been the greatest moment of her entire life. Ruined by an ambitious ambassador. Spike sat next to her, scarfing down his second bowl of curry.

“Aren’t you going to eat, Twilight?” Spike asked, licking his lips.

“No… I don’t feel hungry right now. You can have it if you want.”

Spike grabs the bowl and digs in, getting curry all over his face. He had only woken up fifteen minutes ago, and was unaware of what had happened. He didn’t even know about the creature yet. Twilight thought about telling him, but didn’t want to ruin his good mood.

“How lung till Celasta gets har?” Spike asked, his mouth full.

Twilight smiled. “Should be any minute now. Canterlot isn’t as far away as Ponyville.”

The sun had set long ago. The night sky was filled with shining stars and a bright moon. The air was still hot and dry, but compared to how hot it was a few hours ago, this seemed cool. Most of the workers were asleep. The mess tent was almost empty.

Spike dropped an empty bowl on the table “Think they’ll give me some more?”

“Wipe your face first then we’ll talk.”

With hungry purpose, the purple dragon wiped his face with a rag. He then jumped up off the pillow he was sitting on and headed for the curry pot.

“Spike, don’t you think you’ve had enough?”

“You kidding? I’m just getting started”

Twilight shook her head. “I just think we-“

A roar filled the silence.

“What? Not again.”

A violet figure galloped to the medical tent.  Her short assistant huffed after her, barely keeping pace.

“Wait! What’s happening again?”

In moments, the two emissaries reach a tent with a red cross on the front. Scimitar and the Crescent guards were already there, holding back a panicking crowd.

“Everything is under control,” Scimitar announced to the worried workers. “The beast will be sedated and peace returned.”

A loud crash came from the tent. One of the Crescent guards was sent flying out of the entrance. He rocketed threw the air and struck another guard. Both lay on the ground, unconscious. The tent entrance bulged and then tore as the monster inside forced its way outside. Standing far above the crowd scanning for a worthy foe, it charged at the nearest Crescent guard. Three remaining guards drew knives from hidden sheaths. Panicked workers ran from the scene. Six blades soared towards the massive rushing monster.

*PINC*

The knives deflected off tough skin like marshmallow off a stone wall. Each guard jumped in a different direction to dodge the charge. The monstrosity grabbed one of the fleeing Ponies’ back hooves and tossed him at a second guard. Two more were left motionless. The last guard circled around grabbed a pickaxe and rushed at the monster’s rear. Leaping into the air, she struck down with all her might.

*Snap*

Wood broke and metal bounced. A massive head turned to its assailant. With a wide swing, the sword like spike slashed at the defenseless Pony. Blood splattered as her cheek sliced open. White fur and a streak of blonde hair could be scene in the torn mask. A huge clawed foot stomped the wounded guard. Pinned down and helpless. It was going to kill her.

Twilight had enough. She ran at the monster, but was stopped by Pick.

“Don’t try to stop me, Pick. I have to help.”

“I ain’t stopping you,” Pick told her. “I just figured you might want this.”

Pick handed Twilight the Element of Magic and placed it upon her head. One gem is only a sixth of the Elements’ power, but it may be enough. Twilight called to the beast.

“Hey you, you malcontent!” she shouted, unsure.

The Monster turned its huge head. Its eyes were blank, all white and frozen in an enraged stare. Twilight lost some of her merit, but remembered the mare in trouble. With purposeful determination, she focused all her power into the Element. It glowed with pure magical power. The Beast stared, its anger greater than before.

“You.“ It spoke, low and furious. “You killed her.” It turned to Twilight, releasing the bleeding guard and stepping ever closer. “You killed Lilium! You, FORSAKEN!”

The monster charged, foam dripping from its massive maw and pure rage in its pulsing eyes.

“FORSAKEN!!!”

Twilight held her breath. She hoped her magic was enough. With everything she had, a flash of violet light erupted from the crown. The Beast was consumed by magical energy. The light was blinding. All was quiet.
		
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3


The night was still. Shining stars and an indifferent moon were the only source of light. One violet Pony stood alone in the darkness. Sweat puddled beneath her weary hooves. A glowing gem dimmed and finally vanished into the night. It was over. Twilight was tired. The attack used up nearly all of her strength. With aching muscles and a blurry mind, she headed from the back her tent.

“twilight!”

Someone was calling her in the inky blackness.

“Twilight!”

It was Spike. Off in the distance. Calling his master's name.

“I’m here Spike!” Twilight called back. “I’m ok. Everything is going to be ok.”
“No! Twilight! BEHIND YOU!”

Before Twilight even had the chance, a powerful force smacked her from behind. She was tossed aside like a ragdoll, landing on cold hard sand twenty feet away. She opened her eyes. Through foggy lenses the outline of a huge, imposing figure appeared. Massive clawed feet lifted above the poor mare's head.

“I’M COMING TWILIGHT!”

Spike charged the great beast. He lept at the monster, ready to sacrifice everything for his friend.

*WHAP*

He was swatted out of the air. Nothing more than a pest to the monster. Twilight regained her senses. Magic flowed within a small horn atop a diminutive head. Violet fields of energy enveloped the spiked menace and pushed it down. The monster was being crushed under untold strength. Its powerful legs struggled to stay up.

“Why… won’t… you…just... stay… down!” Twilight muttered, putting everything she had into her horn.

“I… will never… BOW TO YOU!”

With a sudden burst of energy the monster pushed up to oppose the magic keeping him pinned. It rose up. Twilight strained to hold it down. It was beating her. How could it be beating her? She could lift an Ursa Minor with her magic. How could it be… THE URSA MINOR! That’s it! Changing tactics completely, Twilight lifted the massive beast into the air instead of pushing it down. The creature floated, bobbing helplessly like a balloon tied to the ground. Confusion struck its face, unsure of what was happening.

“You’re nowhere near as heavy as the Ursa Minor was,” Twilight said breathlessly. “I’ll just leave you up there till Celestia shows up. I’m sure she would like to see wha-“

She couldn’t breathe. Pain crushed her skinny neck. Hooves lifted far above the ground. Magic faltered and then failed.

*CRASH*

The creature fell to the ground, then stood tall and watched her suffer. What was happening? Did the monster have magic of his own? No, it was the tail. She had forgotten about the tail! Long and powerful, it constricted the poor Mare’s throat.

“You will die as my brethren did, oh great scourge of Atland.” Tighter and tighter the tail squeezed. “Soon, no one will remember your name. Forsaken.”

Twilight’s mind went numb. Her legs went limp. Her eyes started to close. What may be her final words ran across her brain.

Celestia, save me.

Twilight fell to the floor. The tight grip on her soul was loosened. Confused, she saw a bewildered monster peering at golden strains grasping its tail. Fate had intervened.

“RWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

The monster was dragged at incredible speed across the sand. It planted long talons into the ground, attempting to slow its unwilling travel, to no avail. The creature was tossed high into the air and then smashed into the ground as hard as possible.

*BOOM*

Sand erupted into the sky like a bomb had gone off. Dust settled and reviled the broken figure of the beast. Blood was dripping from a reopened wound. The menace could no longer stand. A tall white figure with flowing hair and outstretched wings stood before it. Golden magic lifted the monster to meet the Alicorn’s eyes.

“Listen to my words, for they may be the last you hear. Never harm my apprentice. EVER!”

Celestia stared into grey pupils.

“ha-harm?” It asked, unknowingly. “What are you… where am I? Who-”

Celestia was in no mood for games. She bashed the monster’s face into the ground, and left it passed out in the sand.

“Ce-Celestia?”

A small, weak voice called out. Celestia rushed to aid her most faithful student.

“Are you hurt? Did it harm you?”

Twilight reared back, frightened. She had never seen Celestia like this before. Her eyes were wild. A festering rage behind her normally calm face. The long slender horn on Celestia’s head still glowed. Wings were outstretched and alert. This was a side of the Princess Twilight had never known.

“Twilight, what’s wrong?” Her faced calmed, returning to its usual lax expression.

“It’s, it’s nothing." Twilight looked away, trying to find anything but her mentor to follow and found the body. "Is, is that thing… dead?” she asked.

“No, it is alive. But not by my choice.”

Celestia regretted her statement immediately. It was a harsh and unsettling thing to say. And in front of someone who admired her so, she regretted it twice as hard

“He will be fine,” she said reassuringly, trying to move past her own coldness. “His ego may be hurt when he wakes up, but other than that he should be ok.”

Twilight managed a small smile. Celestia was glad her student trusted her. Now if only she could trust herself. Looking at the husk of flesh bleeding in the sand, it was hard to think it was still living. Whatever it was, it was strong. But all that strength meant nothing now. It would be lucky to last the night.

“What are we going to do with him?”

“…. I don’t know.”

And she didn’t. What could be done? It tried to kill her favored student and many others.

“We have to study him. Think of what we could learn!” Twilight pleaded to Celestia. Determined to salvage something from the expedition.

Celestia sighed deeply. “We can take him to Canterlot. We can detain him there, till we know what we are up against.”

“The Monster is gone!” a voice rang out from the darkness. “Celestia has saved us all!”

A small group of ponies appeared had gathered around the Princess. They were amazed, not only to see the Princess, but to see the seemingly unstoppable monster that terrorized them all defeated. Ponies gawked at the bleeding beast, and yelled out in joy over the victory. Celestia surveyed the growing crowd. Nopony was hurt. The Crescent Guard might have a few injured, but they are too proud to accept help from anyone. Even a Princess.

Golden Scimitar shoved his way to the Princess. Stopping for a moment to straighten himself, Scimitar bowed before Celestia.

“Golden Scimitar, a pleasure to see you again.”

“My Princess. I am honored to be in your presence. If only we could have met under better circumstances.”

“Yes. One does not usually expect relics to wake up and start causing trouble. It is odd, though. I could have sworn your message said the beast was subdued.”

“Y-yes, well,” Scimitar stammered, “he was subdued, but we had some problems.”

“Really, now?” Celestia said slyly. “What kind of problems?”

“Well, it is my belief that the lead archeologist Pick had something to do with it.”

“That’s not true,” Twilight spoke up. “He-“

"Not now Twilight, I need to hear this.”

Scimitar sneered at her then continued.

“It is my belief that he must have awoke the beast while it was detained. For what purpose I do not know, but he cannot get away with it.”

“I’m sure he will not.” Celestia gestured behind Scimitar. “Hello, Pick.”

“Howdy, Celestia. You all talking ‘bout me?”

“No, no. I could never think such things about my Royal Head of Archeology.”

“Royal head of-“ Scimitar muttered

“Shucks, Princess. You’re gonna embarrass me. Speaking of which, I got somepony that could use your help here. Bring the little one here!”

The crowd parted as a Crescent Guard stepped forward. She had a rag wrapped around her face. On her back was a small plump purple dragon.

“Spike!” Twilight cried out, just now remembering he was hit. “Are you alright, do need pain medicine, I brought some herbs, you’re not bleeding are you, is everything ok?”

“Twilight.”

“How could I forget about you? I am so sorry, please forgive me!”

“Twilight!”

“I swear I’m going to get you the biggest gem I can buy when we get home and you can take as much time off as you need until you-“

“TWILIGHT!” Spike shouted, finally breaking Twilight’s blind panic. “I’m fine. Everything is ok.”

Twilight’s wide violet eyes swelled as large tears began to flow. She embraced Spike, happier than ever that he was here.

“Ow ow ow.”

Spike couldn’t hide his pain. Twilight leapt back in horror.

“SPIKE, YOU’RE HURT!”

“Calm down, Twilight.” He clutched his little claw. “It’s... not that bad.”

“His wrist is broken,” the Crescent guard chimed in. “He should avoid using it for the next five months.”

“I have a better idea.” Celestia gestured to the broken appendage. “Would you mind holding your arm out for me?”

Spike held out his broken claw. The Princess pointed her long horn at the wound, faint glowing at the tip. Golden light engulfed Spike’s arm, then faded, revealing the normal purple skin. Spike stared at his claw, turned it every which way.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore. How did you…”

“There are some things only Alicorns can do.” Her motherly voice was as calming as her magic. “But you should still leave it alone for a few days.”

Spike jumped down from the guard’s back, still staring at his miraculous healed claw. Twilight too gawked at the claw. She had read about this magic, of course, but never she thought she would witness it herself. Spike held his claw up to his dear friend’s face, then wiggled the fingers. Twilight began to giggle, then laugh. She hugged Spike, still laughing in joy. This time the tiny dragon hugged back. He squeezed her as tight as his small arms would allow. The surrounding crowd hooted and hollered, stamping their hooves in approval at the miracle they had witnessed.

“You have blessed them” Scimitar was amazed, hiding his jealousy.

“They are already blessed. The Element of Magic deserves only the best.”

“ELEMENT OF MAGIC!” Scimitar shouted in sheer disbelief. Only now did he see the crown sitting upon the young pony’s head. “When did, why did no one tell me of this?”

“Was it not you who claimed to know all the Elements personally?” Celestia asked, already knowing the answer.

“Well, I..”

“You know, the Royal court asked you oversee this personally for a reason. They were afraid you were not suited to this line of work. I sent my Head of Archeology to make sure you were doing well.”

Scimitar shot a glimpse at Pick, smiling with deep satisfaction.

“He will send a written report of your actions to myself and the Royal Arabian Court. I’m sure it will be most favorable.” She turned to her student. “I expect you will write your own report.”

“Don’t worry,” Twilight eyed the politician in front of here, “I will."

Golden Scimitar was stunned. He had no words to describe his feelings. As the crowd engulfed him while returning their attention to Celestia and her student, Pick walked up behind.

“Well,” he said putting one hoof on Scimitar’s shoulder, “what was that you said to me earlier today? You will be lucky to see another days work after this?”

Pick walked off, having said all he needed to. As everyone celebrated and tossed the fortunate two in the air, one tried to slip passed the crowd. One pony with a rag tied around her face ran into the darkness, only to bump INTO the darkness. From the shadows emerged another figure every bit as regal and elegant as the white Goddess behind them.

“P-princess Luna!” the ragged covered guard exclaimed in shock.

“Running off?” Luna glanced over at the cheering ponies. “As usual Our sister is taking all the praise.”

“Y-yes. She… she saved the Purple one from the monster and-“

“Remove the rag.”

“Wh-what?

“The rag, on thy face. Remove it.”

The guard clutched her face.

“I cannot. I am not allowed to show my face under any circumstance.”

“Is that a fact, now?” Luna said coyly, almost an impression of her sister. “Because if Our sources are correct, thou removed thy mask earlier to stop the beast’s bleeding. That is a high offence.”

“I do not regret my actions. I will pay what I must.”

The dark blue Alicorn smiled.

“You have impressed Us. Honor and determination like this is rare these days. Should you need a royal favor, We and Our sister will oblige.”

“I…” She bowed her white head to the ground. “Thank you, Princess of the Night. I am in your debt.”

Blue surrounded the brown rag wrapped around her white face as it was pulled away. Red was still dripping from her lovely face.

“Thy owe Us nothing, but We feel thou may appreciate this.“

Luna’s horn glowed deep blue. The Crescent Guard’s bleeding stopped. The damaged flesh formed together. Soon only a small thin scar was left. The guard touched her face in astonishment.

“I-“

“Thy need not thank Us. Just tell Us thy name.”

“… Hushed Velum.  My name is Hushed Velum.”
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 4


Fire. All around. Deafening roar of flames. Nostril filled with burning smoke. No escape in sight. No place to run. From the depths of blinding red and yellow, a voice called out.

“Wake up.”

A dark figure appeared behind the burning wall.

“Wake. Up.”

The fire crept closer, seeming erupting inwards as the figure approached. A wave of heat shot toward a scared face.

“WAKE UP!”

Cold engulfed the monster's body as a buckets worth of icy water was splashed on him. The beast sprang up in shock but fell back to the hard stone floor, unable to stand up fully. He was trapped in darkness, with not even enough light to see his own snout. In confusion and panic, he struggled to lift his body. He might not have been able to see the bonds holding him down, but he could hear them clearly. Loud metallic clanging let him know immediately that it was chains, but ones stronger than ever before encountered. He strained against them, putting all of his great strength in breaking through, only to collapse. His efforts were unavailed.

“It’s pointless trying to escape,” a voice called from the inky blackness. “Those are Mithril chains. They would hold down a full grown Hungarian Horntail for a hundred years.”

The beast had no idea what Mithril was. Or a Hungarian Horntail, for that matter. But he knew when he was beat.

“Who is there?” the creature called out into the darkness.

“We are the ones who will be asking the questions here,” the voice called back. “Who are you? What are you?”

The creature adjusted himself, turning this way and that trying to find a more comfortable position. Eventually he settled on leaning most of his weight on his front right elbow.

“My name is Parvula of the mountains. And I am Yael.”

“pss.” The voice whispered, trying not to be heard. “What’s a yael?”

“i don’t know,” another voice whispered back, “ask the expert.”

The faint sound of fluttering pages followed a third, somewhat familiar voice.

“I’m looking. none of these books say anything about it.”

“Are you lying to us?” the first voice called out, this time much louder.

“How many?” Parvula called back.

“How many what?

“How many are there with you?”

“I’m the only one here.”

“No. There are three. One as you are. And another with books,  female perhaps.”

“….”

“Am I not correct?”

“….”

“Do you plan to answer or not?”

“You are correct.”

There was a fourth now. A calm voice that also seemed familiar.

“Or rather you are close to correct. And since there is no more need to hide that fact,”

Light pierced darkness. Pitch blackness dispersed as sunshine poured over. Parvula closed his eyes. The bright midday sun was too much for him at the moment. Warmth enveloped his soaking body. Parvula opened his eyes, blinking until they adjusted. Before him was a Goddess, shining brilliant as the Sun. Never before had he witnessed something so beautiful.

“Angelus pulchritude,” Parvula said to himself in utter astonishment. “Am I… is this Heaven?”

“Heaven?” Celestia raised an eyebrow.  “No. This is not Heaven.”

“Then Valhalla? Or Jannah? Or Elysium? What higher plain of existence can produce such beauty?”

“Beauty?” she giggled. “I assure you, Parvula, this is the land of the living. You are not dead.”

Parvula surveyed his new surroundings. The room was bare. No doors, no windows, the perfect prison. Light was shining, but he couldn’t tell from where. The ceiling just seemed to glow. The Goddess, no. She said he was not dead. And Gods do not walk with the living. Whatever the radiant being standing before him was, she was on the other side of the empty cell. At her sides were two creatures wearing golden armor. They were smaller than the shining one. In the corner was a fourth being. She was much smaller than the others. She was wearing no gold, or anything else for that matter. Her fur was violet instead of white and around her were books, some of which looked very very old.

Parvula adjusted himself again, this time raising his head as high as possible to meet his captor’s eyes. 

“Who are you? Where is this place?”

“She is Princess Celestia, ruler of this land Equestria,” one of the solar guards spoke up, offended at the beast’s ignorance. “And you best learn to speak to her with respect.”

“Big talk I see. Say that again when these chains are off.”

The guard moved forward. He had a whole speech in his head ready to scold the despicable  creature and teach him a thing or two about manners. But the eyes. For one small moment the Yarel’s, Yeaal’s, whatever. Its eyes flashed. Animalistic fury bleed from its small, darting eyes. From then he knew what was in front of him was a monster like that which has never been seen in his lifetime. And given the chance, it would destroy him. The guard stepped back. He was afraid. Afraid of a fully bound prisoner he was tasked to watch. That’s also the moment he realized that he hated his job.

“So since you asked, I guess it is my turn. What are you?”

“We are Ponies,”  Twilight said with great excitement. “Well to be exact, I’m a Unicorn, those two are Earth Ponies, and Celestia is an Alicorn. There are also Pegasus Ponies. They have wings like Celestia but no horn. We have a Hierarchy society between the four subclasses. Equestrian rule has prevailed for over five thousand years and Celestia has ruled over the last thousand. Since then we have had a period of peace that only occasionally-“

“Enough!” Parvula interrupted, “I did not ask for the entire history of your people. Is she always like this?”

“Every day of her life.”

The guard regretted those words as Celestia shot him an angry glance.

“My student is simply dedicated to discovery and knowledge. You owe her a great debt. If not for Twilight Sparkle, you would still be trapped in that tomb.”

“Tomb? Are you sure I am not dead? What tomb do you speak of?”

“We found it in Saddle Arabia.” Twilight pouted. “It was buried in the sand. There were a lot of old symbols, including the crest of Ki-Lin. We thought it was his tomb, but instead we found you.”

“His tomb.” He repeated it to himself. “His, tomb.”

Parvula slumped onto the ground.

“My Emperor is gone. Everything I had known is no more.”

Quiet.  Long, uncomfortable quiet. What felt like an eternity passed without a word. Twilight shifted uncomfortably. She wanted to say something, but had no idea what. She scratched her face, waiting for somepony to speak up. To say anything to relieve the unbearable tension.

“You asked me,” Parvula finally said. “What am I. Does this mean there are no more like me?”

Twilight lowered her head. She didn’t know how to say what needed to be said. With a heavy heart, the Princess spoke to her newest subject.

“No. There are none like you.”

“The shrine, where you found me. Were there others?”

“…No.”

“How long was I gone?”

“We don’t know for sure. We will need time to-“

“HOW LONG WAS I GONE?!!”

Anger echoed through the small stone room. Resonance of the Yael’s roar shook the four ponies to their cores. The Celestial Guards clung to the wall farthest from their prisoner. If the room had doors, you can bet a month's’ worth of bits they would have ran for it. Twilight hid behind her mountain of books, as if they were enough to protect her. Only the Princess was unfazed. With more sorrow than fear, she walked closer.

“Ten thousand years. That’s how long ago Ki-Lin perished. That is at least how long you were gone.”

Long sharp nails dug into the stone. Twilight stuck her hooves into her ears. Closing her eyes, she pressed down harder. Piercing screeches filled the air, the noise seeming to reach all the way into her brain. Cries begging for her agony to stop were drowned out as it grew louder and higher in pitch. Then, nothing. The pain had stopped. Twilight opened her violet eyes. Shallow scratch marks perforated stone. Parvula’s body trembled as he lost all control. Rage, fear, sorrow and agony built up and finally exploded. He swung his head, straining the chains holding him, thrashing in anguish.  The Yael screamed louder in a long mournful outburst of pure emotion. Twilight closed her eyes. The giant gaping maw filled with teeth was more than she could handle. The screams continued as she buried her face in her hooves, trying to find a happy place. Then the screams stopped. Twilight lay there, too afraid to move. A few brief moments of deafening silence broken by the gentle clopping sound of somepony’s hoof steps prevailed.

“Twilight.”

Celestia’s voice was soft and sad. The young mare removed her hooves from her face to see her teacher’s sorrowed eyes.

“It’s time we leave. There is nothing more we can do here.”

Celestia’s horn glowed and a door of light appeared on a near wall. The princess gestured her student to leave first.  Twilight ran to the door, but slowed before walking through. Curiosity got the better of her and she took one last look at Parvula. What she saw was not the mighty beast that had tried killed her in Saddle Arabia. The fight was gone from his eyes. No semblance of his strength and ferocity could be seen.  Just a sad, pathetic animal. Twilight had seen the Yael inches away from death, but this was the only time he had truly seemed crushed.

Twilight stepped through the door into a stone corridor. More Solar Guards were standing post outside. After stepping out, the two Solar Guards from the room rushed out. They were breathless and afraid they could barely stand. One of them pushed his hoof against the wall trying not to fall over while the other sat on the floor, splayed out and relieved to be free. Celestia was the last one out. The shimmering door closed behind her, replaced by stone marked by a Yellow symbol of a sun. Each Solar Guard straightened to attention.  The guard on the floor tried to stand but fell on his back and passed out. The other guard continued to lean against the wall, breathing heavily and still in complete panic.

“Take these two to the infirmary,” the Princess called to the captain. “I think they have earned a few days rest. Come, Twilight.”

The Solar Princess walked away down the hallway. Twilight stayed behind her teacher as they left the guards behind.  Together they walked down corridor after corridor, not saying a word. Celestia’s steps grew faster and more rushed as Twilight struggled to keep up. Finally they reached the throne room. Celestia stopped. In the empty room, surrounded by stained glass windows with her favored student watching, Celestia collapsed onto the floor.

“Princess!” Twilight cried in horror. “Are you alright? I’ll call the doctor and-“

“NO!” The Princess yelled. “No. No doctors. I’ll be fine.”

“But...” Twilight didn’t know what to do.

“No. Twilight. I’ll be fine. I’m not hurt. Just… scared.”

The violet mare’s jaw dropped. Celestia, the Solar Princess, ruler of Equestria for a thousand years and her teacher, was scared. It seemed impossible.

“B-but” she stammered. “But you’re the Princess. You’ve never been scared of anything.”

“Twilight, I am always scared. Terrified, even. I have so much to fear. I fear for this land. For my subjects. For the day when I will fail them all.” She stared into her student’s violet eyes. “And I fear for you. And the day I will no longer read your letters.”

Twilight’s eyes moved to the floor, unable to look her teacher in the face. She had never realized how much the Princess had deal with. But more than anything she never realized how mortal the Princess truly was. All this time she had looked up to her as some sort of God, but she was just as full of fear and doubt as anypony else. Morning sun seeped in from the stained glass windows, illuminating the room with color. The young, disillusioned mare watched the Solar Symbol above the throne grew brighter. Everything had changed. Everything…
		 
		 
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 5


“Is it ready?”

“Yes, doctor. Are you sure this will work?”

“If I can get it in the vein then hopefully yes. I would like to run more tests first, but at this point I’ll try anything.”

“Are we that desperate?”

“When your patient refuses to eat, drink or sleep for twelve days, a Pony starts to get desperate. An IV may be the only way to keep him alive.”

“Alright. Everything’s set.”

The nurse handed an IV needle to the Doctor’s skillful hooves.

“Thank you. Here goes nothing.”

He pushed the needle into Parvula’s overturned arm. The Yael offered no resistance. He hadn’t moved an inch for nearly two weeks. After only moving a millimeter in…

*SNAP*

The needle broke with half of it still embedded into Parvula’s thick skin.

“Um,” said a surprised doctor. “Do we have any stronger needles?”

“Trouble with Our patient?”

Princess Luna appeared in the corner, hair flowing despite the lack of a breeze. How long she had been there was anypony’s guess.

“Princess Luna!” The doctor tried to hide his nervous tone. “What a pleasant surprise.”

He tucked the broken needle behind his back, hoping the Princess hadn’t noticed, while his nurse  removed the other half still in his patient.

“What brings you into the dungeon, oh Princess of Night?”

“We just wished to inspect Our special guest. Has he improved since last We came?”

“Er, no. I’m afraid he still refuses to eat anything we give him. I tried to give him an IV in hopes that would sustain him, but…”

“No need to explain. We saw that little incident.”

The doctors faced flushed with embarrassment from his failure. How much had she seen?

“Tis not thy fault. Go rest, thou and thy assistant. Our night is nearly done and neither of ye have rested for a moment.”

“As much as I would appreciate some shut eye, I can’t just leave my patient like this. He hasn’t eaten or drank in just under two weeks. Anypony else would have died by now. I doubt he can keep this up more much longer.”

“Anypony else, thou say?” Luna raised an eyebrow.  “Why, We went a thousand years without so much as a drop of water or scrap of food and We still live. Do thy think it possible our guest is an immortal like We and Our sister?”

“I thought about that. There is no way he is an immortal. See these scars?” the doctor pointed his hooves at a series of deep marks in the Yael’s shoulder. “Born immortals never scar. Any injuries will heal no matter how severe. He’s completely covered with them.”

Luna knew this to be true. As a young filly her older sister had an obsession with racing which lead her to build a number of hazardous, half made go-carts, boxcars and other dangerous vehicles that she would ride, and inevitably crash, down the steepest hills she could find. No matter how badly little Celestia was hurt, she always got better and was good as new. As if it never happened.

“Then could he have been granted immortality after sustaining those wounds?”

“No. Immortals don’t need to eat. I don’t know much about his biology but I can see the signs of malnourishment. If he doesn’t eat eventually, he will die.”

“… We see. Thank thee for thy service. Please, rest.”

Luna opened the shimmering door for the two to leave. Any other day the doctor would have protested, but he knew there was no more to do. He and his nurse left the room, leaving Luna alone with the prisoner. Luna gazed at the once bloodcurdling beast before her. The one who had frightened half of Saddle Arabia, petrified the guards and even terrified her own sister. He was a mess. Looking at him now, it was hard to believe all that was true. There was no fire in his eyes. Slumped onto the ground, wallowing in self-pity. He wasn’t even chained anymore. The “monster” hadn’t so much as moved and those who had missed the early attacks, like Luna herself, would see nothing more than a sad animal.

“Still have yet to leave thy solitude?” the Lunar Princess asked. “Be it thy wish to spend eternity in this room?”

There was no response. Parvula never responded.

“There are many who are worried about thy health. They would be much happier to see out of here.”

Still nothing. Trying to appeal to the creature’s empathy wasn’t working. Perhaps she should appeal to another sense.

“We hear though had taken a liking to Our sister.” Luna struck a pose that she had read in a magazine was seductive. ““There are many young mares who would enjoy the company of such a strong, large, handsome Pony as yourself.

No response. So it’s come to this.

“Or,” the Princess continues, walking towards the depressed beast while swinging her hips with each step, “perhaps thou would prefer some royal accompaniment? We are the Princess of Night and have much time for, entertainment.”

Luna gazed deep into those small, grey eyes. He didn’t look back. Just kept staring at everything and nothing, oblivious to the world. Luna’s tail and mane dropped and she lost her poise. He had completely ignored what may have been the single most embarrassing moment in her entire life. And if there was one thing the Princess of Night hated more than anything, even more than lag, it was being ignored. Blue magic radiated from her horn and lifted Parvula’s head to her level.

“Listen, wretched animal. We are trying to help thee. We don’t know why thou hath shown nothing but indifference despite Our best efforts. Few even know of thy existence, and of those, many want this room locked up here and for the key to be thrown into Tartarus. Is that what thou wishes? To die alone, knowing the entire world has forgotten thee?”

He didn’t even blink. Had it not been for the subtle motions of breathing, most would think he was already dead.

“Get up on thy hooves. Get up, We say! This is not an option.”

The ancient Alicorn was losing the last shreds of patience.

“We said GET UP!”

Luna’s Royal Equestrian voice echoed, bouncing off stone walls and back into her sensitive ears. Hooves met eardrums and Luna’s head met the ground, shielding her from her own outcry. GET UP repeated over and over, angry booming. After a few minutes of regretting this decision, Luna’s recurring moment of rage faded away.

“So that’s what We sounded like,” the dark blue Alicorn murmured to herself. “And We wondered why none wanted Our company.”

“What is your malfunction?”

After nearly two weeks, Parvula finally spoke. Head down, claws over ears and began rising up his irritation was obvious.

“My hearing is poor enough without you making me deaf,” he complained

“It struck thee out of thy lethargy, did it not?” Luna spat back, not used to being criticized. “So thou hath no right to whine.”

“Yes, you got me up.” His great bulk turned away. “Now leave me alone.”

“Ridiculous. Thou must leave this empty room.”

“And why should I do that?”

“Because...” She had to think for a moment. “Because thou shalt surely die if thou does not.”

“Sorry, but you will have to do better than that.  At this point dying is not the lesser option.”

Parvula slumped down, not far from where he started. A few quiet moments passed.

“Would she want this?”

“Who?”  the Yael grunted.

“Lilium.”

Parvula shot up, shock on his face.

“Would she want this? For you to give up. To die, alone, wallowing in self-pity.”

Parvula stared at the Night Alicorn, eyes wide in astonishment.

“Well?” Luna egged on. ”Is that what Lilium would want?”

The mere mention of her name was like a slap to the face.

“….No.” He sighed. “No she would not.”

“So thou wilt come with me and leave this place?”

“…Yes.”

A small smile formed on the Princess’s lovely face. It was a low blow bringing up this Lilium, whoever she may be, but it worked in her favor. Four immense clawed feet lifted Parvula off the ground.

“Alright. I will follow. But never speak of her again.”

Blue magic shined from Luna’s horn to open the magic door, but then she remembered something.

“We forgot.” Blue encompassed a platter of clover sandwiches left in the corner, untouched. “Eat.”

“What?” the annoyance had returned.

“It has been weeks.” She pushed the plate closer. “Eat.”

“…No.”

“That was not a request. Eat.”

Parvula bared his teeth. He was met with an angry glare.

“Eat, or We will shout again.”

They kept staring each other down, calling each other’s bluff. Luna took in a deep breath and pinched her lips in preparation for the Royal Equestrian Voice. Begrudgingly he swiped the platter from the air and bit into it, metal and all, like a giant cookie. Metal screeched as teeth tore tin. Parvula chewed, shoving the rest of the platter and sandwich bits into his maw. He then chugged water from a metal pitcher, then ate the pitcher.

“There. Done. Shall we leave now?”

“Uhm…” Luna said, her face stuck somewhere between disgust and confusion.  “Thou was not meant to eat the platter.”

“Too bad. Can we go now or do you have something else to waste my time with?”

Light poured out from the sole exit. This was a matter the Princess would have to shelve for later. She stepped into light and into a long hallway, Parvula following. Princess Luna took lead walking out of the dungeon. Parvula swung his head every which way, absorbing everything he saw. From the stain glass windows shining with moon light, to the small intricate details etched in floor tiles, he studied every inch he passed. Black coated guards wearing dark blue spiked armor appeared at nearly every doorway. Every single one of them stared down the Yael as he passed as if trying to intimidate him. It was rather cute the way they pouted their chests and stood tall while covered in the stench of fear.

Neither spoke during the long trek through the Castle’s many corridors. The only noise was the gentle clopping of Luna’s steps. Despite his weight, Parvula’s giant clawed feet were quiet as a kitten's paws. Every few minutes Luna would peek over her shoulder, just to make sure the big lug hadn’t wandered off somewhere. Each time he was there still taking in the view. She tried not to keep looking, but it was hard not to. Paranoia would build up until Luna had no choice but to turn her head. Looking at him now he was more imposing. Large and broad with that long narrow cheek blade. Still far from the unstoppable beast the rumors described. Before long the two reached the western wing.

“Wait here,” Luna commanded. ”Thou must witness this.”

Down through a stone-framed window, a stone courtyard could be seen. Dark blue Lunar guards were still posted at strategic points. High in a watchtower attached to the west gate a golden Solar guard relieved a Lunar guard of his position. A change of the guards. Neither the Moon, Sun nor Stars could be seen in the sky. Morning was upon the kingdom.

“So,” Parvula said. “What exactly will I see?”

The Princess did not answer. She was watching intently as three Ponies stepped out from the castle’s doors. Two of them were guards still wearing their golden armor. The third, however, was different. He was just as tall and fit as the others and had a mane every bit as white. But instead of armor he wore a simple brown cloak with a large knapsack swung over his side. The estranged trio spoke for a while, too far away to hear. Parvula noted how this site troubled the blue beauty beside him. Hair flowing against the wind, glazed eyes followed as the cloaked pony left to the western gate. Little by little his figure disappeared into the purple horizon, until he was gone. While Luna mourned this loss and the two golden guards hung their heads in shame, Parvula just scratched his head in confusion.

“... What just happened?”

“He quit,” Luna murmured. “He quit the Solar Guards. The first Pony to resign from the position in over eight hundred years.”

“Eight hundred years?”

Luna nodded 
.

“Wow, “ the Yael muttered. “How pathetic.”

“…What?” Luna went from grief-stricken to enraged in an instant. “Did thou not hear Us?”

“I hear you. And it is pathetic. Eight hundred years without a single resignation.”

“Thy calls Us a liar?!”

“I believe you. What do these guards do all day? Stand around and look pretty?”

“They are an integral part of Our nation’s security!”

“You did not answer my question.” He turned away from the window to watch her response. “What do they do?”

“They…”

Luna’s mouth was open but no words flowed. Besides standing around and “looking pretty” they didn’t do much. In the last few conflicts since her return to Equestria the Solar and Lunar Guards have barely lifted a hoof. And from what she has read from the history books, in the rare instances where trouble has arisen during her absence they have done nothing to help. All they do is stand around, look pretty and occasionally go on a show march.

“That is what I thought.” The Yael shook his head. “Why did he leave?”

His question was met with a glare.

“What?” Realization. “Me? He left because of me?”

Nodding confirmed his suspicion.

“So no one quits for over eight hundred years and the first one who does is because of me?” A small smirk etched into the side of Parvula’s jaw. “That is hilarious.”

“Thou finds this funny? The Royal Solar Guard is the most Elite organization in the land. Fewer than one hundred Ponies qualify for service each season. Those few who do have a lifetime of benefits. The honor brought to the service-colt’s family lasts generations. They can have any Mare they wish. None have ever given that up. None, until thou came to Our land.”

“The second this “Elite” Guard has something they need to fight. Something that would make them perform their duty, they leave. Jump off like rats on a sinking ship.”

Luna lowered her head. When he put like that, it did start to sound rather pathetic.

“You have an army for Summer times. They will prance around this way or that in their shiny armor to your heart’s content. But when things get rough and it’s time to get dirty, they will abandon you. Pray I am the foulest thing to ever walk this land. Because there are worse. Far worse.”

Clawed feet walked noiselessly away. Tail swinging behind, Parvula moved on, then curved his head back at the Princess.

“Was that all you wanted to show me? Or is there something more convincing?”

Her eyes narrowed.

“Follow.”

Quick, lowed clopping trailed each step as Luna rushed ahead to her second and final destination. Up and up through spiral stairs to a small room at the top of a massive tower. Eventually the pair reached a small room in the highest tower of the castle. Parvula had trouble squeezing through the small sliver of an entrance. Luna sat and pulled a porcelain tea set from a cupboard. With expert practice she prepared a brew of green tea using magic flame.

“Sit. We have a few minutes to wait.” Luna poured tea into two small porcelain cups and floated one to her guest. “Drink.”

Parvula clutched the cup in-between two of his claws. It was barely a sip for him. After pouring the green fragrant liquid into his maw, Parvula gently placed his cup on the ground and tried to hold back a grimace. There may not have been much tea but it was strong and to him tasted of grass. The Princess seemed to enjoy her drink so the Yael chose not to speak.

“How is thy drink?”

Until now.

“It is…good.“ He coughed uncomfortably. “Uh, may I ask? Why are you putting in so much effort? What do you stand to gain?”

“We shall say that We empathize with thy dilemma and nothing more. Everypony deserves a second chance.”

“Right. And what would you know about second chances?”

“Far more than thee.”

Luna poured a second cup of tea for herself and her guest. Parvula winced and placed the cup down, pretending to be saving it.

“I appreciate what you are trying to do. But I don’t belong here. You know it, I know it and everyone who has met me so far knows it. So let me go and-“

“Who is Lillium?”

“…I told you not to talk about her again.”

“And We chose to ignore that plea. Who is she? What does she mean to thee?”

“I will say nothing.”

“Then speak of others. For instance, this Forsaken thou spoke of. Who is this?”

“You… you do not know him?”

“Well, no. Should We?”

Parvula’s eyes widened and his ears perked.

“So, the war is over?”

“War?” Luna tilted her head. “There hasn’t been a war for ages. Long before even Our time. What war do you speak of?”

Parvula didn’t answer. He had lifted his head, closed his eyes and let out a loud deep sigh.

“It is finally over.” His eyes opened to the beautiful Goddess before him. “I guess we won, then.”

“We do not know of what thy speaks. Please, enlighten us.”

“Hold, please.” Watery orbs formed around his beady eyes. “Let me enjoy this moment.”

The Yael gripped his head, trying to hold it all back. Luna couldn’t tell if this was the purest form of joy, or abject sorrow. She let him be for a while. There was much more she wanted to ask about him and this war he spoke of. But there was no time left for questions.

“Our time is up. We have one last sight to show. Wilt thou be able to carry on?”

“Yes, yes.” Parvula rubbed his eyes to wipe away his tears. “I will be fine. Let us see.”

Luna assembled her tea set and placed it back into the cupboard. She then stepped to a large purple curtain. Using her magic she pulled it aside, opening a path to a large balcony.

“Where are we?” Parvula inquired.

“This is the observatory,” Luna replied. ”We use this room to watch the stars.”

“Stars?” Parvula asked. “What are stars?”

“They are… new. We created them to celebrate the liberation of this land over a millennia ago.”

“What do they look like?”

“Like shining jewels covering the sky, glimmering in a way no diamond could hope to compare. Giving dreams to the young and creating an aura of romance for all lovers in the land. That is Our gift to Equestria.”

“Wow.” For once the Yael was genuinely impressed. “The people here are fortunate. I can not even remember the last time I saw the moon, let alone something like that. They must be grateful.”

“Yes.” Luna paused. “Yes. Grateful indeed.”

Luna gave a small sigh and stood at the end, then gestured Parvula to follow. Ducking under the archway and to the outside. The view was breathtaking. Snow for as far as the eye could see covered everything in a blanket of white. Orange, red, purple, blue and every color in between danced across the sky as sunlight rose from the horizon. Ponies emerged from their homes to begin their days of work and play. Young colts and fillies rushed off to school wearing small packs full of books and papers. Carriages brought fresh fruit and vegetables to open markets ripe and ready for purchase. Even the city itself was magnificent. Stretching miles in every direction, the Yael had never seen a settlement so large or so gorgeously designed. From the tops of the castle’s towers to the humble homes, he soaked it all in. Jaw hanging open, eyes at their widest, Luna knew she had him.

“We cannot return thine old life,” Luna said, Parvula not looking at her. “But We can provide a new life. A fresh start. Equestria would be glad to adopt thee as its newest citizen.”

“Adopt?” Parvula said still not looking away. “After all I have seen. All I have done. I do not belong here. It is too good for the likes of me. Too innocent. Too pure. No one would accept me.”

“Do not be so sure of that. Our subjects value forgiveness.  We are confident thou would be accepted.”

“How are you so sure?”

“We are, let Us leave it at that for the time being. Think on it. Would not any of thy lost kin have taking such an opportunity? This is a chance to live a life free of torments past. No War. No Forsaken. Thou can be free.”

“You do not know my torments. Do no know the War. You do not know Forsaken. And you do not know me. But you are right. I will never get my old life back. And maybe that is for the best.”

“So thou is ready to begin thy life anew?”

Parvula finally looks away to face the Princess, sunlight causing her flowing mane to glow like how he imagined stars do.

“Yes. I am ready. Just show me the way.”
		
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 6


“I don’t like this, Twi. Not one bit.”

“Come on, Spike. We got Princess Luna’s blessing on this. That’s just as good as Celestia’s.”

“I still don’t like it,” Spike grumbled. “Why are we stuck watching him?”

“We aren’t stuck with him, we volunteered.”

“You volunteered.” Spike crossed his arms. “I shouldn’t have to suffer for your decision.”

“I suppose you’re right. You think Parvula would make a good assistant?”

Spike shot a glare at Twilight.

“Over my dead body.”

Twilight grinned slyly, wind whipping her hair as their carriage rushed high above the ground. She knew he would never give up his duties, let alone to somepony like Parvula. Speaking of which.

“HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP?” she shouted to Parvula, who was riding in his own extra-large carriage not far away.

“PLEASE TELL ME WE ARE THERE!” he shouted back, clutching to his carriage and trying not to lose his lunch.

“JUST A FEW MORE MINUTES!”

Not long after, the town of Ponyville came into view. While they were gone the snow had gone into full swing as every inch was covered in a flurry of white. Two Pegasus propelled carriages neared the town center and began descending.

“Get ready. We’re about to land,” Twilight’s pilot called out. “There’s some snow so it might be a little rough.”

As their hooves neared the ground, powder blew up into the air. They hovered for a brief moment then touched down on soft snow. Immediately they sank into the snow, being devoured by cold faster than any quicksand. Two Pony heads and a small purple dragon noggin popped out of the snow like daisies in spring.

“Are you alright?” The other carriage remained hovering after seeing the others landing issues. “Scotch, you OK?”

“I’m OK, Corkscrew. What about you two?”

“I’m fine,” Twilight said. “Spike, how are you?”

Spike turned to speak, but when he opened his mouth, snow poured out into a small pile.

“Hmm,” Scotch said. “Anyway. Hang out up there till I can clear a space for you to land.”

“Right. We can wait.”

“No we can not!” Parvula shouted from the back.

“It’ll only be a few minutes” Twilight interjected.

“No time!”

Huge claws grabbed onto the sides of the carriage and dragged fifteen hundred pounds of Yael over the railings. Reaching out to the air, his weight caused the carriage to tip and he was pushed off and onto the snow. Landing hard on his back, limbs spread out in all directions and began sinking into the powder, was Parvula. He just laid down for what felt like hours, waiting for the world to stop turning so fast.

“So,” Twilight was above the Yael’s head, somehow standing on the snow, “your first time flying?”

“S-shut up,” he groaned back. “Just shut up.”

Twilight just shook her head. Figuring Parvula wasn’t going anywhere soon she turned back to Spike and Scotch, both of whom were also standing on the snow. Scotch seemed to be having trouble with this, and kept watching his hoof in case they fell in. Spike, on the other hand, didn’t care. He was more annoyed at the huge pile of snow below his feet to worry how he was walking on it.

“I tell you, this is an outrage,” Spike announced to nopony in particular. “Here we are a month into winter and nopony has cleared the snow. How are we supposed to get anywhere?”

“Well you could just have your friend use that little spell on everypony in town,” Scotch said, still watching his feet. “How did she do that?”

“Oh it’s just something I came across in an old spell book one night,” Twilight said, trotting up to the others. “There was a whole section on spells for walking across unstable ground. Clouds, water, spikes, even lava.”

“Dang. You Unicorns get all the neat tricks.”

“Well, I don’t like to brag…”

“Ehem,” Spike interrupted. “And what are we going to do about this mountain of snow? We still have two Pegasi waiting to land and we can’t get back into the Library with things like this.”

“Well… we need to move the snow.”

“Ok. And how do you suppose we do that?” Spike was getting rather snippy.” Do you have a spell for that, too?”

“Only the Inferno spell. And I’d rather not set the town on fire.”

Twilight was irritated with Spike’s attitude. It had been a rough couple of weeks for everyone and this snow dilemma was just the icing on her migraine cake. Luckily for Spike, somepony was calling for Twilight.

“Twilight!” It was Mayor Mare waving from the second story window of town hall. “Twilight! Is that you?”

“Yes, it’s me!” she called back while trotting closer. “What happened here? Why is there so much snow?”

“Oh it’s just horrible, Twilight. Things were fine at first, but then a bunch of ponies got sick. Something to do with lickable frosting walls.”

“Pinkie, what did you do?” Twilight murmured under her breath.

“We have over fifty ponies in the hospital including everypony who was supposed to clear the snow. We had to allocate more ponies to take care of them all making us even more short staffed. And with you out of town we couldn’t make up for the losses and then the snow started to pile up and nopony can get anywhere, businesses can’t open and I have no idea what to do! Please help!”

“Ok, ok. I’ll do what I can. But first I have to take care of our guest.”

“Guest? What guest?”

“You didn’t hear? We sent you a letter. But I suppose you didn’t get it in this weather…”

“We’ll discuss this later. Just please hurry.”

Twi double timed it back to the landing zone. While away, Spike and Scotch had started work on digging out a landing strip. They hadn’t made much progress. Parvula was still lying in the snow sunk three feet in and counting.

“Listen up,” Twilight said. “A chunk of the workforce it down, communication is at a halt, I need to set up a new system to get everypony who can work new jobs, but all my supplies are back at the library, which we cannot reach thanks to a town-wide mountain of snow six feet deep and we have an emotional and possibly dangerous extinct behemoth who needs serious counselling.”

“I can hear you,” rang a voice from the snow.

“Save it. We need a plan.”

“Well…” Spike thought for a moment. “What about that spell you were talking about?”

“No. When I say it will burn down the whole town, I mean it.”

“Can you at least magic up us a few shovels?” Scotch asked.

“Magic doesn’t work that way. Besides, that would take hours. We need this gone right now, and to do that we’d need a bulldozer.”

“I can do it.”

With all eyes glued to him, Parvula finally forced himself up.

“I can deal with the snow. Should not take too long.”

“Right.” Spike interjected. “Not to be rude but how are you going to move one hundred tons of-”

*SHINK*

In an instant the massive cheek blade was retracted into the Yael’s body. While everypony attempting to process that image, Parvula’s tail wrapped around his chest and he crouched as low as possible until his head was buried under the snow. Using his entire body, Parvula began pushing the slush. In just a few short seconds he had cleared a landing strip. In only minutes all of town square was cleared, the snow collected into a tower of cold standing taller than its surrounding buildings. To say Twilight was impressed was an understatement. Astonished was more like it. There was still a layer of powder about two inches worth on the ground, but compared to before this was phenomenal.

“Well,” Spike murmured, “I stand corrected.”

“That was incredible!”

Mayor Mare galloped up to her helpful visitor. She skidded to a stop right in front of Parvula. He didn’t look as big from her window side view.

“I’ve never seen anything like that!” The Mayor shook off her surprise. “Can you do that for the whole town?”

“I am Parvula of the mountains. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“I… I’m sorry.” The Mayor was embarrassed by her own rudeness. “Welcome. I am Mayor to our town of Ponyville. I apologize for being so impolite. Things have been hard and this is the first real break I’ve had for days.”

“Forget it. Needed to stretch, regardless.”

“Well, do you have enough in you to get the rest of the town? I’ll pay you twenty Bits an hour.”

“Hold.” Parvula huddled next to Twilight. “Is that a lot?”

“That’s plenty.” As the Ponyville librarian Twilight earned twelve bits an hour.

“Mayor Mare, you have a deal.”

“Oh thank you so much.” Mayor Mare jumped up like a filly. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“… right, yes.” There was a quiver in Parvula’s voice. “Well, better start.”

“Before you go,” Mayor spoke up. “Do me a favor. When you get rid of the snow, please dump it outside of town. If it’s not too much trouble.”

She motioned to the snow pile taller than any building wobbling side to side. Colts and fillies who had been trapped inside for days collected then attacked the leaning tower of frostiness. Molding details and doorways into it with bare hooves and crude magic.

“Sure.”

Twilight rushed up to the Yael before he left.

“When you’re done,” she said, “meet me at the library. It’s the big tree near the center of town. You’ll pass by it on your snow run.”

“Right. Goodbye.”

Parvula left the violet pony. As his massive frame cut a path through a mountain of snow onlookers multiplied. Already gossip and rumors of who and what this helper was were spreading like wildfire. Murmurs of distant relatives and friends of friends who had seen the behemoth face off against Celestia herself were shared, warped and blow completely out of proportion.

“Here for ten minutes and he’s already won the hearts and minds of everypony in town” Spike spat under his breath. “I don’t like this one bit.”

“Relax, Spike,” Twi said. “This might turn out better than we thought.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Let’s see. If we send these three to work the garbage pick-up we can free up two more for animal control. Derpy is going to be stuck with a double shift for a while, but I need those Ponies for patient care. Now where am I going to find four more cargo Ponies?”

“Your tea, Twi.”

“Oh, thank you, Spike.” Twilight gratefully took the cup and levitated it for a short sip.

“How’s it going?” Spike asked.

“Not well.” Twilight shuffled her huge stack of papers. “So much needs to be done and we have so few Ponies who can help. The Doctors say everypony who is sick will stay sick for at least five more weeks.”

“TWILIGHT!” A shrill panicky voice shot out from behind. Twilight and Spike jumped from surprise, spilling some tea over Twilight’s paper stack. Hanging out of an open window, a bouncing pink mare had forced her way inside.

“WHO IS THE NEW, NEW… WHATEVER IT IS?!!”

“You mean Parvula?” Twilight replied while fixing her paperwork. Asking why she entered through the window was pointless.

“Parpatulea?” That’s a weird name.” Pinkie squeezed the rest of her body into the library and began hopping. “Where did he get it? What does it mean? Where is he from? How did he get here? How do you know him? Does he like cake? What’s his favorite flavor? Does he-“

“Slow down, Pinkie. One at a time.”

“Ok, ok.” Pinkie slowed her insane bouncing to a slight bobbing. “Then I’ll just ask the important questions. WHEN CAN I THROW THE PARTY?!!”

“Pinkie, I don’t know how to tell you this…” Twi rubbed the back of her head with her hoof. “We aren’t going to throw him a party.”

“No… party?

Pinkie stopped rocking. Her hair started to droop and her color faded.

“But… but… party. We need… party.”

“Pinkie.” Twilight placed her hooves on Pinkie’s greying shoulders “I need you to listen to me. We are not going to throw him a party… yet. Give it a few weeks, let him settle in. Parvula doesn’t come from the same kind of place we do. I don’t want things to go bad. Just get to know him first. Then when he’s ready you can throw the biggest, most special party ever. Understand?”

Pinkie’s frown turned into small smile and her hair regained some of its poof.

“Alright. I’ll wait. But I'm gonna warn you now, Twilight.” Her color returned. “This will be the biggest party Equestria has ever seen!”

It wasn’t long before Pinkie was bouncing up again. Twilight couldn’t help but smile, too. She didn’t want to postpone Parvula’s party. She loved them as much as the next pony. But who knows how he would react. After what happened in Saddle Arabia and Canterlot, playing it safe was better. Plus getting the entire town into a confined space during another episode would get… ugly.

*BANG BANG*

Speaking of...

“Hey Twilight, he’s here,” Spike said from the doorway.

“Perfect. Let him in, Spike.”

“I can’t.”

“What? Why not?”

“Because,” Spike replied. “He can’t fit in the door.”

Twi and Pinkie rushed to the door. Sure enough, Parvula was there covered head to toe in powder. And there was no way he would fit. His head was just barely taller than the door, he could crouch inside if needed. But his shoulders were far too wide to get past her narrow doorway.

“I didn’t think about this.” Twilight raised a hoof to her face in pondering thought. “Where are we going to put you?”

"In do time. For now..."

Parvula shook like a dog, sending snow flying in all directions. Drenched in sweat and melted snow, muscles glistening, he was an impressive sight. Twilight noticed a number of rubberneckers watching the Yael with intrigue. Unlike earlier gawkers, these ponies were excited to see Parvula. Also unlike the previous crowds, this one contained a much larger ratio of single, young Mares. Parvula began stretching out his legs and back to ease his aching muscles. His onlookers, who he seemed not to notice, began to giggle in stereo. Twilight couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

“Look at that, Pinkie. You’d think they never saw an extinct ten thousand year old Mountain Yael before. Right Pinkie? … Pinkie?”

She turned to see Pinkie ogling Parvula same as the others, drool seeping from her mouth.

“Ignorance is bliss.” Twilight Sighed.

Parvula stood on his hind legs to stretch his chest. Giggling became cheering as mares began taking pictures. A few even fainted. They were treating this like an adult show. Pinkie’s jaw dropped to the floor. Literally. Even Twilight couldn’t help but blush. The only Pony not excited was Spike, who could only gag at his friends’ display. 

Then Parvula derailed everypony's high by unraveling his tail. Extending it out to max length, he whipped it to the ground with a supersonic crack. Lifting his head and tilting to the right, his razor sharp blade shot out from its hidden sheath in his cheek. With bad memories rushing to her brain, Twi’s butterflies turned to stone. She overheard somepony shout about “THE HORROR!” and remembered this was the first time anypony else had seen this side of Parvula. Too bad nopony would see anything else since the once massive crowd was now just a few empty cider bottles and a dropped cupcake. And Gummy, but he was more preoccupied with the cupcake.

“Ahhhh.” Parvula exhaled. “Relief. I was cramping. Now about housing.”

“Right.” Twilight coughed. “Well most houses aren’t much bigger so I don’t know where we-“

“HIEYAH!”

Pink curls jumped from beneath the Yael and were immediately met with a massive fist. Flying like a rocket she smashed into a building at mach speed, leaving behind a Pinkie shaped hole.

“OH CELESTIA, what did you do that for?!!” Twilight yelled at the yael. 

Standing completely motionless, fist still extended, he was a million miles away.

“PARVULA!”

“What?” He shook out of his trance. “What happened? I blacked out for a second.”

“You just PUNCHED my friends through a wall.” Twi’s nostrils were flaring in anger. “A house TWO HUNDRED FEET AWAY! PINKIE! ARE YOU ALRIGHT!”

“I’m fine, why do you ask?”

Pinkie appeared behind the two, unharmed and still bouncing.

“Pinkie? But, how did.. you went through that wa-“ Twilight motioned to the building, only to see that the hole was gone. “How did you-“

“Please, Twilight. I’m omnipresent.”

“What?”

“What? Oh heeey!” Pinkie bounced over to the confused mountain Yael. “Aren’t going to introduce us?”

“I. Em. How? N-never mind. This is Parvula. Parvula, this is Pinkie Pie.”

“HI Parbiluta!” Pinkie Pie rushed up to Parvula without fear. “Welcome to Ponyville.”

“Greetings. It is Parvula.”

“Partitune.”

“No, Parvula.”

“Parincartinle  .”

“No. Repeat. Pare-fvoo-la.”

“Perpendicular!"

After the biggest facepalm in ten thousand years…

“Call me Para. Easier?”

“Para. Yeah, I can do that. Welcome to Ponyville, Para.”

Immediately Pinkie clamped onto Para. Her oversized hug recipient reeled back with wide eyed shock.

“Woah!” Pinkie exclaimed while still clutching to Para’s neck. “What’s the matter, big guy?”

With his claw between her body and his own, Para pushed to detach his pink parasite. She held steadfast, refusing to move an inch. Her body stretched under the pressure but her hooves would not let go. He stood on his hind legs to use two feet, but still failed. Plopping onto his back, Para put all four of his feet on Pinkie, pushing with full force, elongating her rubber body to twice its normal size before her grip finally gave out, sending her careening through the air like a rubber band out into the distance.

“Pinkie!” Twilight screamed.

“What?” She appeared behind Twi.

“P-pinkie? But how did you, oh never mind.”

“That’s my girl.” She condescendingly rubbed Twilight's mane as though she were a filly. “Now then, what’s the matter, Para pally?”

Para was still on the floor, panting heavily. Pinkie bounced up onto his chest, again violating his personal space and shoving her face as close to his as possible.  To everyone's shock, he started to blush. A huge beaming grin emerged on Pie’s face.

“What’s the matter, big boy? Like what you see?”

She gave a wink and turned to walk off, swaying her plot as much as possible. The second she got off Para jumped up and backed as far away as possible until he was clutched up against a tree. More terrified than anything; his face was still red as a tomato. Twilight stood intrigued at this backwards sight as Pinkie giggled at her apparent power.

“I’m just teasing you, Par Par.” She stepped a hoof forward as Parvula attempted in vain to move farther back. “Don’t be like that, silly billy. Come on, give us a smile.”

Pinkie came closer to her victim. Out of instinct, Parvula lashed out his tail to keep her away. Pinkie jumped over his attack and landed inches in front of Para’s face.

“That’s not a smile. Do I have to tickle one out of you?”

Hooves moving faster than sound with expert precision tickling weak points even Para didn’t know he had. He squirmed and wriggled away, but could not escape.

“Come on, come on,” Pinkie coaxed. “You can do it.”

Having what was without any doubt the most ridiculous day of his life, Parvula resisted but began to lose out.

“Stop it. S-stop doing t-that.”

Twilight would later say it was just her imagination, but she could swear he was holding back a smile on that red mug.

“Stop it. STOP IT” Para’s annoyance finally overcame his embarrassment and he grabbed Pinkie by the small of her neck like a kitten, lifting her to his snarling face. “When I say stop, IT MEANS STOP!”

Parvula’s scowl faced giant puppy dog eyes and a quivering lip. He was angry. He wanted to be angry. Yet his anger was melting. No matter how he tried it was just too hard to stay mad at these pony things. The last of his frustration was spent by a long, deep sigh.

“Boop.”

Pinkie’s grin was back and her hoof was poking his snout. She was released from Para’s claw and plopped to the ground with a squeak. Without saying a word, Parvula turned around and walked away.

“Hey, where are you going?” Spike called.

“A barn to the west.”

“That’s a good idea,” Twilight said. “I’ll come with you.”

“Suit yourself,” he said, rather aloof.

“Oooh.” Pinkie sprang up. “Can I come?”

“No.”